make one's mark

make (one's) mark

To do something that will be remembered or that makes one famous or successful; to do something that is very important or meaningful. The actress first made her mark with her incredible performance as Lady Macbeth on Broadway. I chose to pursue a career in medical research so that I might someday make my mark in the world with a groundbreaking discovery.

See also: make, mark

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

make one's mark

Achieve distinction, as in Terry soon made his mark as an organist. This expression transfers a written or printed symbol to a strong impression. [Mid-1800s] Also see make a name for oneself.

See also: make, mark

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.